Delta-Northwest deal faces headwinds
Turbulence lies ahead for merger as unions and passengers are split on proposed deal.
By Chris Isidore, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: April 15, 2008: 3:08 PM EDT
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines have finally agreed to a merger. But it could be a bumpy ride before a deal is officially completed.

The powerful Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) union finds itself badly split on the proposal, which would form the world's largest airline.

Pilots at Delta (DAL, Fortune 500), the nation's No. 3 carrier in terms of miles flown by passengers, heartily endorsed the deal as a key to preserving a profitable U.S. airline industry.

"The merged Delta will be a more stable, financially durable and investable airline that will provide benefit to Delta and Northwest employees, the communities we serve and, importantly, the traveling public," said a statement from Delta's pilot union.

But pilots at Northwest (NWA, Fortune 500), the nation's No. 5 airline, are angry over their inability to reach a deal that would preserve their seniority at the combined carrier. They lashed out at the proposed deal and vowed to battle against it. (read more)

Another union opposes Delta merger
By RUSSELL GRANTHAM
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 02/26/08

Opposition to a merger between Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines keeps growing the longer the proposed deal takes.

As talks between the two carriers' pilots unions on seniority rules dragged out, another union that represents many employees at Northwest on Monday said it will oppose any merger. (read more)